West Cumbrian pigeon fanciers have been mourning the death of another popular member of the racing fraternity.
John Gale, 57, a member of the Seaton RBL club, died after many years of battling health issues.
Tributes have flooded in from fellow West Cumbria Amalgamation with one of the most touching from Andrew Kenmare, of Frizington.
Andrew said: “It has been my privilege to be a close friend of John’s for many years and without our meeting, Tom and myself would never have been involved in our great sport.
“He inspired me every time we met. I observed how much he loved Joanne and his lads, how he dealt with adversities in his life with courage and dignity and how he always managed to have a laugh, however hard the situation.
“He recently shared with me the secret of racing pigeons – ‘they have to be happy Andrew’. Wise words indeed!
“He will be sadly missed by many but are thankful for leaving us with such great memories, his legacy lives on. Love and prayers to Joanne, Jordan and Brad.
John Gale, top man.”
